Perceptions of the Role of Lantana Camara on Human Well-Being and Rural Livelihoods in Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, South Africa
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Perceptions of the role of Lantana camara on human well-being and rural livelihoods in Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, South Africa By Edward Mhlongo Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Rhodes University Department of Environmental Science Rhodes University Makhanda South Africa January 2021 Abstract In the past, social aspects on biological invasions were less documented, this hindered the development of sound and effective management of Invasive Alien Species (IAS). However, there has been a shift in trends with more studies on biological invasions integrating local knowledge together with ecological studies to develop effective management interventions. Invasive Alien Species are widespread throughout Southern Africa and are usually prevalent in the rural areas. Limpopo province consists of large rural areas where people depend on natural resources, wild and exotic species for their livelihoods. Lantana camara is one of the major invaders that is problematic worldwide having detrimental impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and economies. This study assessed the perceptions of the role of L. camara on the well-being and rural livelihoods of local communities in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve using household surveys. A total of 300 surveys were administered in six villages. The study further used a two-pronged approach to examine invasion extent and management options. The two-pronged approach included (i) detailed vegetation surveys in 50 household yards within each village, and (ii) focus group to solicit local knowledge of invasion extent and managing L. camara by the rural communities. The results of the study showed that almost all the respondents knew L. camara and could describe it. Most of the respondents were of the view that L. camara had no negative impacts on their livelihoods. Other respondents stated costs associated with L. camara were more than benefits and wanted a reduction in L. camara densities in the area. Most respondents wanted more government intervention to help in managing L. camara, this is because of the perceived future impacts of L. camara. Vegetation survey results showed no significant difference in L. camara abundances and plant heights among the six study villages. The average number of L. camara counted per household yard in all villages was (2.41 ± 0.20) plants, with average plant basal diameter of (0.94 ± 0.02 cm). There were significant differences in canopy width of L. camara among the six study villages. Plant basal diameter was high in Tshakhuma (1.05 ± 0.04 m) and Duthuni (1.00 ± 0.04 m) villages, and low in Ha Mutsha village (0.82 ± 0.03 m). Lantana camara canopy width at household level across all villages averaged 1.34 ± 0.03 m. Canopy cover was high in Tshakhuma village (1.70 ± 0.09 m) and low at Ha Mutsha village (1.03 ± 0.03 m). In all six village focus group discussions, it was noted that mechanical clearing of L. camara was the most used method, but they reported minimum help from the government particularly Working for Water (WfW). The study concludes that L. camara has no substantial adverse impacts to most of the respondents. The study further noted that L. camara is dominant in most household yards i and that management is taking place however current control options are not enough on their own. Suggestions for further research are to explore more alternative indigenous species present or easily accessible to the community members which may offer the same benefits as IAS. Furthermore, additional research at local level is required for implementing management techniques best suited for the area. Keywords: Biological invasions, Invasive alien plants, Lantana camara invasion, local knowledge, people perceptions, alien plant management ii Declaration I Edward Mhlongo, herby declare that the work outlined in this thesis was carried out at Rhodes University, Department of Environmental Science under the supervision of Dr. Sheunesu Ruwanza and Dr. Tatenda Dalu. This thesis has not been submitted at this university or any other university, this is my work in design and execution, and all material contained herein has been duly acknowledged. Signature_______________________ Date __29 January 2021 _ iii Acknowledgements Firstly, I would like to thank the Lord Almighty for his grace and the wisdom bestowed upon me and sustaining me throughout my academic endeavours. Secondly, gratitude to my supervisors Dr. Sheunesu Ruwanza and Dr. Tatenda Dalu for the valuable training throughout this project and whose guidance, support, advice, and in-depth knowledge have been fundamental to this research and pointing it in the right direction. I would like to also thank Dr. Gladman Thondhlana for his valuable contribution to data analysis. My sincerest gratitude to DST/NRF Thuthuka (TTK190117408656) for funding this research. Many thanks to my family and friends for the support and prayers. My grandparents (Ruston and Audrey Mhlongo) are my source of inspiration and hope, and I thank them for the support and effort they have put into my academic endeavours. I would like to thank my sisters (Felicia, Charmaine, and Wonder Mhlongo) for their unwavering support throughout my studies. I would also like to extend thanks to Unarine Tshishonga, Lily Munzhedzi, and Tshidahisi Nndwayamato for assisting with fieldwork. Lastly, I would like to thank the tribal authorities and communities of all the six villages for partaking in this study. iv Table of Contents Abstract ................................................................................................................................................... i Declaration ............................................................................................................................................ iii Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................... iv Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................... v LIST OF TABLES .............................................................................................................................. vii LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................................... viii LIST OF BOXES ................................................................................................................................. ix Chapter 1: General Introduction ............................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1 1.2 The use of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) .................................................................................. 2 1.3 Integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into ecological studies ........................ 2 1.4 Motivation of the study ......................................................................................................... 3 1.5 Study area ............................................................................................................................... 4 1.6 Research objectives and conceptual framework ........................................................................ 5 1.6.1 A conceptual framework for interpreting the impacts of IAS on rural livelihoods ............ 6 1.6.2 Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF). ............................................................................. 8 1.7 Thesis outline ............................................................................................................................... 9 References ............................................................................................................................................ 11 Chapter 2 Literature Review ................................................................................................................ 14 2.1 Invasive species in South Africa ................................................................................................. 14 2.2 Use of Invasive Alien Species in South Africa ............................................................................ 15 2.3 Conflict-generating Invasive Alien Species ................................................................................ 15 2.4 Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) .................................................................................... 16 2.5 Factors influencing perceptions towards IAS ............................................................................ 17 2.6 Study species .............................................................................................................................. 20 2.6.1 Lantana camara characteristics .......................................................................................... 20 2.6.2 Benefits and costs of L. camara .......................................................................................... 20 2.6.3 Lantana camara in South Africa ......................................................................................... 21 2.6.4 Management of L. camara in South Africa......................................................................... 21 References ...........................................................................................................................................